Bahrain‘s Prince Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa passes away on Wednesday, state media announced. He was one of the world’s longest-serving prime ministers who held the post since Bahrain’s independence in 1971. The PM was 84 years old.
“The Royal Court mourns His Royal Highness … who passed away this morning at Mayo Clinic Hospital in the United States of America,” the Bahrain News Agency said on Wednesday.
The News Agency further added that the burial ceremony will take place after his remains are transported home. Due to the coronavirus restrictions, the ceremony will be limited to a “specific number” of relatives.
The agency further added, “The country will hold a week of official mourning, during which flags will be flown at half-mast. Government ministries and departments will be closed for three days.”
Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa named crown prince Salman al-Khalifa as the new prime minister, the state news agency reported, citing a royal decree. The decree takes effect immediately.
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